TRAITS

for Success

good proofreader

ability to concentrate for long

   periods

excellent computer skills

detail oriented

 
ealth information technology is a profession
that combines technology, management and
healthcare. Working with computer information
systems and technology, health information technicians
collect, analyze and interpret data that doctors,
nurses and other health care professionals rely on
to provide quality patient care.  They expertly manage
patient health information and medical records by
reviewing, organizing and evaluating for completeness
and accuracy.  Health information technicians also
control access to information contained within
medical records to ensure that it is kept confidential. 
They are qualified to supervise and manage file clerks
and other clerical staff.  They can work in every
sector of the health care industry, but often choose
to specialize in one particular area.

Average Starting Salary $23,246
Work Environment
Attorneys' offices
Clinics
Health maintenance organizations
Healthcare vendors
Hospitals
Insurance companies
Long-term care facilities
Mental health facilities
Non-profit organizations
Physician groups
State and federal health agencies
 
Academic Requirements 
A high school diploma or equivalent
is required.  Two-year academic programs
in health information technology lead
to associate degrees.  Courses may
include medical terminology, anatomy,
physiology, coding and computer systems.
 
Licensure, Certification and
Registration
Students who complete an accredited
academic program are eligible to take
the national qualifying exam.  Upon
meeting the requirements of the
American Health Information
Management Association, health information
technicians may become a Registered
Health Information Technician (RHIT).
 
 
Professional Organizations
American Health Information and
  Management Association
(312) 233-1100
www.ahima.org
 
Commission on Accreditation
  for Health Informatics and Information
  Management Education
www.cahiim.org
 
Georgia Health Information
  Management Information
(770) 926-0769
www.ghima.org
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

Associate Degree

Columbus Technical College

Darton College

Griffin Technical College

Heart of Georgia Technical College

Lincoln College of Technology

Macon State College

Northwestern Technical College

Ogeechee Technical College

 
 
 
Table of Contents

Georgia Statewide AHEC Network

www.gahealthcareers.org     


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